Travel is fun. Vacations are fun. It’s part of the reason we travel.
Or rather, the major reason we travel.
But while having fun is important, to travel safely is just as important.
When it comes to traveling, safety is a must.
We believe that a perfect combination of common sense mixed in
with a touch of technology can help to keep both
you and your family safe and sound while on the go.
Perfect packing:
When you’re leaving for a trip,
it’s important to pack a lot more than just clothes and sunblock.
Always make sure to have your cell phone and charger
with you at all times,
and make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave home.
This will give you the ability to stay connected from anywhere.
Avoid overpacking. One golden rule we like to follow is,
pick all the clothes you think you need, and lay those on the bed.
And then, remove half of it.
There is really no need for you to take more.
We are sure that wherever you go,
an extra pair of clothes can always be bought!
Money matters:
When traveling, it’s never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash.
Instead, carrying at least one credit card will help
to ensure that you are protected against theft.
With ATMs becoming more and more ubiquitous,
you don’t have to carry wads of dollars with you all the time.
In the unlikely event that your wallet or purse is stolen,
you can report it to the credit card immediately
to prevent unauthorized use. For this reason,
it’s important that you carry a list of telephone numbers
for your credit card issuer(s) so that you can contact them immediately.
This information should be kept separate from your wallet so
that it will still be in your possession even if your card is not.
Also, don’t keep all your money in one bag.
Distribute it so that even if one bag is stolen,
you will have some money in another.
Stay in touch.
Always make sure to let a friend or family member know
where you are going and where you will be staying during
your time away from home. It’s a good idea to let your friend
or family member know that you will be calling or messaging
when you arrive at your destination.
It’s also a good idea to keep in touch occasionally while you are away,
and always leave a telephone number where you can be reached.
Our suggestion is to buy a local SIM card.
Typically, in most countries, this would not cost you a lot,
and is a great way of keeping in touch. More
and more guesthouses, hostels, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi,
and with messaging services like What’s App and Viber,
there is no reason to be disconnected. Of course, unless you really want to be.
Now, that should be the subject of a different blog post altogether!
Keep important numbers handy:
Anytime you travel, it’s important to make
a note of local emergency numbers, including hospitals, authorities,
taxi services and other businesses that you think
may be able to assist you if needed.
You can find these numbers online or
use a local telephone book upon your arrival.
Do your homework:
One of the greatest things about traveling is
the ability to see new things and experience new places,
but it’s also important to keep safety in mind while exploring.
Always have an accurate map of the area,
which you can obtain from the local tourism office.
And who can forget GPS? Google Maps has changed the way we travel.
Always travel in well-lit areas and avoid places that seem to be deserted,
especially after dark and in locations that you are unfamiliar with.
Part of the fun of traveling is making new friends,
but be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Sites like Couchsurfing have made it possible for
us to make new friends while reducing the cost of accommodation,
but as with everything, prior diligence is needed.
Check your host’s references,
and make sure that you give details of your stay to a friend as well.
Now that you know how to protect yourself and
your family during your time spent away from home,
let’s not over do it. Remember to enjoy all of the wonders
that await your next vacation with the ones that you love.
We can’t be too safe, but becoming over-cautious will also not help.
Trust your instincts and let go.
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